Skagit Tours Instructor
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Job Category:
Job
Job Type:
Full-time
Overview:
The Skagit Tours Instructor will be based at both the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) on Diablo Lake and Skagit Information Center in Newhalem. This summer position has three roles within the Tours program. The primary role is leading one-and-a-half-hour boat tours on Diablo Lake, and a second role is supporting tour staff and ELC operations. These tours provide participants an inside look at the relationship between humans and the landscape of the upper Skagit River. General topics of the boat tour include natural history, hydroelectric projects, early European settlement, and pre-contact life on the landscape. The third role is as a Retail Associate at the Skagit Information Center. The ideal candidate is a creative, energetic, professional, motivated, cooperative team player willing to have fun. They possess a strong work ethic with motivation to grow professionally as an instructional staff member of a mission-driven organization.
This is a paid, full-time, seasonal position running from June 6 - September 30, 2022. Skagit Tours Instructors should expect to work five days (approximately 40 hours) each week. There are 2 Skagit Tour Instructor positions available.
POSITION LOCATION
The Learning Center is located in the heart of the North Cascades National Park near Diablo, WA, and serves as a hub for a small network of trails along the shores of Diablo Lake. The Information Center is in Newhalem, which is about 15 minutes west of Diablo Lake and is also located inside North Cascades National Park. This region of North America has been inhabited by native tribes for over 9,000 years and continues to be a meaningful location for thousands of visitors each year. Opened in 2005, the Learning Center is a collaboration between North Cascades Institute, the National Park Service, and Seattle City Light, the public utility that owns and operates the hydroelectric project that includes Diablo Lake and provides electricity to the residents of Seattle. The Learning Center is approximately 20 miles from the nearest gas station and post office, and 60 miles from towns with full amenities.
COMMITMENT TO MISSION AND VALUES
Successful candidates will have a commitment to the mission of North Cascades Institute and the organization’s effort to promote diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the Institute’s culture, work and partnering relationships to ensure that the Institute and its programs are welcoming, relevant and accessible.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Tour Program Instruction & Delivery (50%):
- Provide interpretation and education for boat tours on Diablo Lake
- Create a physically and emotionally safe learning environment for participants
- Design and implement boat tour programs for small to large groups with clear learning objectives including lessons in natural and cultural history, science, the arts, and other subjects
- Provide excellent customer service
- Regularly report on programming activities and field issues/concerns to Program Coordinator
- Participate in all scheduled program trainings, interpretive instructor meetings, check-ins with supervisor
- Participate in peer observations and feedback
- Manage, respond to, and report any risk management incidents
- Provide ELC facilities, housekeeping, and kitchen staff with occasional light duty support
- Support marketing and registration to promote enrollment
- Support equity initiatives at North Cascades Institute and actively contribute to NCI as a community of belonging that is welcoming and accessible to everyone. Develop a personal equity, diversity, and inclusion related goal(s) and track progress towards your goal(s) with your supervisor.
- Other duties as assigned
Retail Duties and Skagit Information Center (50%):
- Provide local information to visitors
- Handle sales transactions
- Maintain orderly and attractive appearance of retail area including timely merchandise displays
- Maintain a working knowledge of all stock in order to hand sell to visitors
- Maintain inventory stock in stores to meet sales; restock sites as needed
- Participate in season end inventories
- Develop expertise in use of Point of Sale (POS) system and cash register
- Maintain financial records for opening and closing of the till and the change bag
- Supply change for sales sites when needed
- Assist three additional retail sites with inventory needs, money handling, POS questions and supplies at Marblemount, Newhalem and Diablo Lake, all within 25 miles of the Newhalem Visitor Center
- Work with retail manager to assess and develop products, respond to customer product requests, and expand product selection
- Become versed in North Cascades Institute’s mission and programs to cultivate public awareness in conjunction with Park mission
- Collaborate with retail manager and NPS staff for promotions and in-store events
- Represent the Institute at conferences, festivals, and community events as assigned
- Familiarity with National park and National Recreation Area trails and campgrounds (desired)
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Ability to work with people from diverse learning types, backgrounds, cultures, and ages
- Confidence presenting to large groups, using microphone, props, and other materials
- Enthusiasm for learning and teaching about the natural world
- Previous experience in instructional roles
- Good judgment, flexibility and ability to work independently and reliably
- Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds and to walk up to 4 miles each day
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
- Ability to work and live in a small, rural community
- Valid driver’s license and driving record check must have no more than one moving violation in the past three years, no DUI, reckless driving or serious moving violations, etc.
- Final offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and a driving history check
Preferred Competencies and Past Experience:
- Working collaboratively with individuals from different identity groups, including historically excluded groups
- Employing different teaching methods and styles to accommodate different audiences and learning styles
- Developing lesson plans
- Leading wilderness programs and associated risk management protocols
- Creating identify-safe learning environments
- Inquiry-based teaching and learning
- Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification or above upon date of hire; Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or above is preferred
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related field
- Knowledge of basic scientific principles and how to teach them
- Knowledge of the North Cascades natural and cultural history
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
- The location is remote, in the forested mountains of the North Cascades ecosystem, and is home to many forms of wildlife - flora and fauna that require knowledgeable and responsible cautionary behavior. Employees are required to use appropriate safety equipment and follow standard safety practices.
- Weather can vary from hot and dry to cold, rainy, and snowy. Outerwear can be provided by North Cascades Institute if needed.
- The position requires occasional travel by car to other worksites or meeting places.
- Working hours occasionally include evenings, weekends, and overtime
COMPENSATION & HOUSING
This is a seasonal/temporary, full-time, non-exempt position, eligible for overtime pay. The wage is $15.50-15.75/hr. Benefits include sick leave and holiday pay.
Housing may be available for the duration of the position for $300/month for a private room. Housing may be available for staff either in the town of Newhalem or in the neighboring town of Marblemount. Staff are responsible for providing their own food and are responsible for their own health insurance. Given the remote location, personal transportation is required. Smoking is not allowed in housing, during programs, or on the Institute’s campus. Pets are not allowed on the Institute’s campus.
START DATE
June 6, 2022
JOB DURATION
June 6 - September 30, 2022
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at North Cascades Institute. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, citizenship or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.
ABOUT NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE
North Cascades Institute requires all employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and to provide proof of inoculation unless a reasonable accommodation is approved. All new hires are expected to comply with these requirements upon employment.
North Cascades Institute's mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature. Since 1986, we have helped connect people, nature and community through science, art, literature and the hands-on study of natural and cultural history. Our goal is to help people of all ages and backgrounds experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest – so all will care for and protect this special place.
North Cascades Institute is a respected leader among U.S. environmental education organizations, and we believe that sustainable communities are built on healthy environments, vibrant economies and social equity. The Institute is in sound financial health with a $4 million budget and strong reserves, and 15 four-star ratings with Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.
How to Apply:
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Review of applications will begin immediately. Positions will remain open until filled.
TO APPLY
Please apply online on our website at: https://ncascades.org/jobs.
Complete the online application and upload a cover letter and resume.